Surname Scherbe - Meaning and Origin
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Scherbe: What does the surname Scherbe mean?
The surname Scherbe (pronounced SHER-bee) is a German and Jewish surname which originated in the Middle Ages. Its etymology can be traced to the Middle High German word ‘scherbe’, meaning ‘shard’. This likely points to an occupation as a potter, coming from medieval times when clay was moulded by hand into shapes and then broken into pieces known as shards.
The Scherbe family name is first found in the 12th century when a family with this distinct name were recorded in Austria. Over time, the name spread throughout Northern Europe to countries such as Germany, Poland and Sweden.
By the 18th century, the name was common among Jewish families too. The name is believed to have been taken on as a conversion name, where a Jewish family would take on a Germanized version of their existing name in order to assimilate into society.
Today, the name Scherbe is mostly found in German-speaking countries and Jewish diaspora countries. It is common among those who had ancestors who settled in Germany centuries ago, as German surnames were uncommon outside of Germany till the 19th century.
Scherbe can also be described as an occupational surname, symbolizing hardworking and industrious people. It is also seen as a symbol of stability and strength, having endured through many centuries in various cultures.
Order DNA origin analysisScherbe: Where does the name Scherbe come from?
The last name Scherbe is most commonly associated with Germany, however, the name is also found in other European countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.
In modern day Germany, the last name Scherbe is mainly associated with the region of Lower Saxony, particularly in the cities of Wolfenbüttel and Helmstedt. It is also common in the German city of Bielefeld, in both the east and west new city districts.
In Austria, the name Scherbe is mainly associated with Vorarlberg, a province in the western region. It is also found in other parts of Eastern Austria.
Switzerland mainly has the last name Scherbe in the canton of St. Gallen and has a sizeable concentration in the city of Trogen.
In the Czech Republic, the name is mostly found in the historical lands of Bohemia and Moravia.
Outside of Europe, the last name is also found in Brazil, where it was likely taken by Europeans who moved there in the early part of the 20th century.
Regardless of where it originated from, the last name Scherbe is associated with beauty and grace, likely stemming from the German word ‘scharbe’, meaning graceful or delicate.
Variations of the surname Scherbe
The surname Scherbe is an occupational surname originating from the German word “Scherbe” which means fragment or shard. This surname is typically found in English-speaking countries along with variations of the name. Common variants of the surname Scherbe include Scherb, Scherban, Scherben, Scherber and Scherbenski.
Spelling variations of the surname Scherbe include Scherb, Schurbe, Scherbb, Scharbe, Sharb, Sharbe, Sherbe, Sherb and Scherbo.
Surnames of the same origin as Scherbe include Scharff, Schurr, Schürmann, Scherer, Schreiner and Scherz. These surnames are all derived from the same German root and have variations both in spelling and pronunciation.
Many of these surnames have evolved over time from the original Scherbe to form new surnames. For example, the surname Scherz has evolved from Scherbe in Germany, whereas Schurff has evolved from Scherbe in the United States. In addition, some of these surnames have also taken on a different meaning in other cultures. For example, the surname Schurr has been adapted in some cultures to mean “eagle” and has thus given rise to a new meaning for the surname.
In conclusion, the surname Scherbe has many variations and surnames of the same origin. These variations include spelling, pronunciation and meanings which have all been adapted over time from the original German root.
Famous people with the name Scherbe
- Robby Scherbe: Documentary film editor, cinematographer, and occasional actor.
- Bruno Scherbe: Germany’s former Minister of Social Affairs and the Chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Germany.
- Kim Scherbe: Professional tennis player from Brazil.
- Noah Scherbe: Professional musician and visual artist.
- Janos Scherbe: Czech historian, who was one of the most influential voices in promoting and developing a distinct Central European identity.
- Simon Scherbe: Austrian entrepreneur, best known for founding the online entertainment platform Minecraft Players.
- Amelie Scherbe: Professional figure skater best known for winning the 2020 World Championships.
- Gustave Scherbe: German art historian and writer.
- Alexander Scherbe: Russian actor and theatre director.
- Erich Scherbe: German philosopher and sociologist.